Poon's: A Culinary Legacy

Poon's is more than just a restaurant; it's a testament to a profound culinary heritage, a family saga woven through generations of passionate chefs. The story of Poon's is intrinsically linked to the dedication and innovation of the Poon family, whose culinary journey began centuries ago with ancestors who served emperors and pioneered essential cooking techniques. This article delves into the captivating history of Poon's, exploring its roots, the pivotal role of its founders, and the enduring legacy that continues to delight diners.

Generations of Culinary Excellence

The Poon family's connection to the culinary world is not a recent development; it's a deeply ingrained tradition stretching back through countless generations. The narrative begins with a distant ancestor who held the prestigious position of chef to an emperor, a role that demanded the highest levels of skill and artistry. Further back in the lineage, another ancestor is credited with a significant culinary innovation: the effective invention of the stock cube, a fundamental component in modern cooking. This early history highlights a consistent thread of culinary innovation and a commitment to excellence that has been passed down through the family.

The Influence of Grandparents and Family Recipes

The family's gastronomic prowess continued to flourish with the grandparents of the current generation. They owned a renowned restaurant in Macau, a city celebrated for its vibrant food scene. It was here that the grandmother of the present proprietor earned particular acclaim for her exceptional knife skills. These skills were not merely about precision; they were about an intimate understanding of ingredients and the ability to transform them through expert preparation. Adding to this rich tapestry of family tradition is an old, cherished family recipe for Chinese Wind Dried Meats, a delicacy that the Poon family continues to produce to this day, preserving a taste of their heritage.

A Father's Journey and Early Training

The father of the current proprietor embarked on his own culinary journey at a remarkably young age. His formative years were spent honing his craft in Hong Kong, where he received training from a Swiss pâtissier. This cross-cultural culinary education provided him with a unique blend of Eastern and Western techniques, shaping his approach to cooking. In the mid-1960s, his path led him to England in pursuit of his future wife, the proprietor's mother. Upon arriving in England, he was met with a stark reality: the quality of Chinese food available at the time was, in his opinion, disappointingly mediocre.

The Birth of Poon's Restaurants

Driven by a desire to introduce authentic and high-quality Chinese cuisine to England, the elder Mr. and Mrs. Poon took a bold step. In 1973, they opened the very first Poon's Restaurant in Lisle Street, located in the heart of London's Chinatown. This venture marked the beginning of a new era for Chinese dining in the capital. Just three years later, in 1976, they unveiled the truly iconic Poon's of Covent Garden at 41 King Street. This establishment quickly became a culinary landmark, attracting a clientele that included some of the most recognizable figures of the era, from music legend Mick Jagger to acclaimed actress and singer Barbra Streisand. The restaurant was a hub of gastronomic excellence and celebrity patronage.

Accolades and Expansion

The dedication and exceptional quality of Poon's cuisine did not go unnoticed. In 1980, a significant milestone was reached when the father was awarded a prestigious Michelin Star. This accolade cemented Poon's reputation as a purveyor of world-class dining. Following this success, the family expanded their culinary empire, opening restaurants in Geneva and in The City of London, further spreading their renowned flavours and commitment to quality. The restaurants became synonymous with authentic Chinese flavours and impeccable service.

A New Generation's Commitment

In 2006, the founding generation, Mr. and Mrs. Poon, retired, leaving behind a remarkable legacy. The current proprietor, having worked in all their parents' establishments from a young age, initially harboured no desire to follow in their footsteps. However, as the saying goes, some destinies are simply meant to be. The call of culinary heritage proved too strong to resist. Today, the current proprietor proudly carries the torch, bringing their own Chinese kitchen to life from the depths of their heart and the warmth of their family's hearth, ensuring that the Poon's tradition of excellence continues to thrive.

Poon's Today: A Blend of Tradition and Modernity

While the Poon's name carries a weight of history, the current iteration of the restaurant, or the culinary philosophy it represents, embraces both its rich past and the present. The commitment to using high-quality ingredients, preserving traditional recipes like the Wind Dried Meats, and maintaining the meticulous attention to detail that defined the earlier establishments remains paramount. Diners can expect a menu that honours the authentic flavours that first captivated London, while also reflecting a contemporary understanding of gastronomic excellence.

Key Milestones in Poon's History

Frequently Asked Questions about Poon's

What is the origin of the Poon's family's culinary skills?

The Poon family's culinary skills have been passed down through generations, with ancestors serving as chefs to emperors and even inventing the stock cube. Their grandmother was also renowned for her exceptional knife skills at a restaurant in Macau.

When and where did the first Poon's Restaurant open?

The first Poon's Restaurant opened in 1973 in Lisle Street, Chinatown, London.

What was significant about Poon's of Covent Garden?

Poon's of Covent Garden, opened in 1976, was an iconic establishment that attracted notable figures like Mick Jagger and Barbra Streisand. It was a landmark for Chinese dining in London.

Did Poon's ever receive a Michelin Star?

Yes, the father of the current proprietor was awarded a Michelin Star in 1980, recognising the outstanding quality of the cuisine.

Who is running Poon's today?

The business is now run by the next generation of the Poon family, who were inspired to continue the legacy despite initial reservations, bringing their own authentic Chinese kitchen to the forefront.

What traditional dishes are still made by Poon's?

The family continues to produce their old family recipe for Chinese Wind Dried Meats, preserving a taste of their heritage.